The 8 Best Tennis Shoes to Ace Your Game, According to Tennis Coaches

Asics is not just my favorite tennis shoe brand, but it’s also a favorite of Winn’s as well. One editor who tested this faces knee pain, and she found that the Gel-Resolution X is extremely supportive with all lateral movements so it’s easy on her joints. It’s also lightweight, making it perfect for quickly maneuvering around the court. The brand’s proprietary midsole technology and arch support also serve to cushion the foot, which is ideal for those suffering from certain types of foot pain (like plantar fasciitis). And for transitions, there’s a locked-in feel from strategic pressure-providing support.

Don’t just take it from us. “Asics has skyrocketed to the top over the last few years,” says Winn. “It feels like a running shoe. It’s durable and supportive. It’s my favorite shoe on the market.”

Pros

• Asymmetrical laces
• Snug midfoot
• Made partially from recycled materials

The Barricades are a go-to for all training sessions and matches for players who prioritize comfort. When shopping for tennis shoes, Armstrong says, “Players have different criteria as to what makes a shoe great for tennis.” Personally, I want something that is durable, supportive but not too bulky, and comfortable. Armstrong, who teaches/plays almost every day of the week, needs something that feels good on his notoriously aching Achilles tendon. Adidas makes this pair that does all of this, and are even a favorite of Armstrong’s father (who tore his Achilles a few years ago) because of their unrivaled comfort.

Wonder why? It might have something to do with the shoe’s foam Geofit Sensepods to securely lock in the heel, a cushioned Bounce midsole, and asymmetrical laces to help guard against the effects of foot drag. There’s also a sustainability component, with 50 percent of the yarn in the upper being recycled. It’s a purchase you can make with a clean conscience.

Read more: Best Adidas Shoes

Pros

• Great aesthetic
• Cushioned yet stable
• No break-in period
• Lightweight

Trying to nail the classic white tennis shoe look? K-Swiss delivers a shoe that embodies the timeless style without compromising on quality. Lightweight and breathable mesh encases the foot, and an OrthoLite insole cools and comforts. The Hypercourt Supreme 2 has good lateral stability, and a flexible midsole helps with energy return and a Durawrap Flex means that there’s no break-in period. One of the best parts of the design? The laces are coated to help them stay tied, so you won’t need to worry about refastening them between every set.

Our pros liked these shoes for beginners and experts alike. “When you first put them on they already feel broken in,” Winn says. The main take away? They are a versatile classic-looking shoe for all types of players.

Pros

• Full-length herringbone tread
• Durable uppers acts as a barrier
• Lightweight and flexible sole

No matter what level tennis player you are, you need to consider the type of court that you will be playing on before buying a new pair of tennis shoes. Armstrong shares why, explaining, “Tennis requires a player to perform specific movements on specific surfaces. There are also different court surfaces that may require specific tennis shoe soles—those for grass, clay, and hard courts all have a certain sole that helps with traction and support.”

For clay courts, you want a pair of shoes that are designed especially for it. Thinner and lighter soles, herringbone tread for traction, and uppers made from materials that keep clay out are three of the factors that go into the specially designed shoe to make it have the support that Armstrong mentions. They are also GOAT-approved, designed with Roger Federer’s expertise to make sure they achieve the highest of standards. Need a show for a hard court? Check out the original On x Roger version that’s for hard court use.

Read more: Best On Running Shoes

Pros

• Exceptional side-to-side support
• Good durabilty
• Very comfortable

Nike is a sports gear monolith, but that doesn’t make it a shoo-in for every category. Happily, though, we loved the Zoom GP Challenge 1, so it had to make our list. The shoe is incredibly stable laterally, allowing quick side-to-side movements and bursts of speed with 100% faith that your feet will stay firmly planted beneath you (or not so firmly, if that’s what is needed). Grueling matches are no trouble for the Zoom GP Challenge 1—our tester wore them for multiple-hour practice sessions and in extended match situations.

Another feature our tester loved was the squishy Zoom midsole, a staple feature in Nike’s running shoes that has made its way to the brand’s tennis lineup. They are comfortable right out of the box and provide equal parts plush comfort and propulsive response.

Pros

• Comfortably cushioned
• Breathable
• Solid offering close to $100

Babolat doesn’t just make stellar tennis rackets; the brand’s tennis shoes are in a league of its own. With a soft upper and ventilated mesh, the SFX 4 delivers comfort and breathability in each wear. Babolat doubles down on the comfort with an OrthoLite insole that molds to the shape of your foot. A premium cushioning system absorbs shock in landings, which is super important for comfort and keeping your knees feeling good after a match. The shape and composition of the materials in the sole are segmented into nine key pressure points to deliver maximum responsiveness.

Armstrong also recommends these shoes for beginners. “In my experience, beginners need to look for something that may not require a huge investment, but also provides all the benefits needed to play tennis comfortably and safely,” he says. “Generally, the shoes that are in a new player’s price range and then feel the best, are the best shoes for them.”

New Balance takes the cake when it comes to tennis shoes for those in need of a little extra stability. Both tennis instructors we talked to agree that the Fresh Foam X CT-Rally delivers on comfort, support, and above all, stability. Between the precise underfoot cushioning, superior durability, toe drag tip, or external heel counter, the elements all come together to form a thoughtful design.

“They’re well-made, so they last a long time and are very comfortable,” Winn says. Armstrong also adds, “Looking around and asking a few of our senior players, [the New Balances] seem to be a fan favorite.” At the end of the day, comfort and stability are the leading factors in selecting a shoe for seniors, both of which this shoe excels in, according to Armstrong.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

Pros

• Well-rounded shoe
• Great abrasion resistance
• Full-foot support

Wilson makes some of the best rackets in the game but isn’t quite known on the same level for its apparel and footwear. We think this is a misstep—Wilson’s full range of gear should not overlooked. The Rush Pro 4.5 is a very durable, comfortable shoe packed with advanced tech.

A medial rubber drag pad keeps abrasions at bay, lightweight EVA foam in the forefoot is cushy and explosive, and what Wilson calls its 4D Support Chassis 2.0 runs the length of the foot to provide stability, support, and control.

Meet the Experts

• Gary Armstrong is the Tennis Leader at Life Time Galleria in Houston, TX who has been playing tennis for 36 years and instructing instructor for 17 years.
• Eric Winn is the Tennis Leader at Life Time Charlotte in Charlotte, NC who has been a tennis coach for 24 years and still plays in the 5.0 USTA leagues.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Tennis Shoe?

The ultimate goal of a specialized tennis shoe is to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. As Winn says, it’s important to find the right shoe for you in order to “grip and to prevent injury.”Armstrong adds, “For moving laterally, the shoe needs to have great support on the sides of the shoe to prevent the shoe from rolling over. Because of the lateral movement, the shoe should also not have too high of a profile which can cause ankle turns.”

Can I Play Pickleball in Tennis Shoes?

Yes, you can absolutely play pickleball in tennis shoes. Tennis shoes are a common and often recommended choice, particularly for outdoor pickleball courts which share the same hard court surfaces as tennis. These shoes are designed to support the quick lateral movements crucial in both sports, and their outsoles are built for the wear and tear of court activities. While pickleball shoes exist, they often share similar features with tennis shoes, sometimes with a slightly softer outsole for enhanced grip on indoor courts.